The Allen Tidings

Thursday, August 18, 1887
Biographies – J.S. Grimsley

J.S. Grimsley first saw light of day at Jackson, Illinois, in 1837, and is, therefore 50 years old. When he was 3 years old his parents move to Iowa where he spent his youthful days. In '56 came to Kansas and settled in Lyon county, on Allen creek, remaining there 15 years; moved to 142 creek in Agnes city township where he has lived on the same farm ever since. In '60 he married a (Miss Kate) Darke, who has been a sharer of his joys and sorrows. George Grimsley is their only child. His (J.S.) life has been principally devoted to framing and stock raising. At which he has been very successful During his residence in the county his abilities and integrity of character have been recognized by the people and he has officiated all justice of the peace, twice as trustee, and is at present a member of the board of county commissioners and also holds the trusted position of post master at this city. He was one of the principal projectors of and owners in the town site of Allen, and is president of the Town Company. He now has in course of erection a fine residence on east 5th street.

Died in the Masonic Home in Wichita.
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William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas

JOHN S. GRISMSLEY, farmer, section, Township 16, Range 11, P. O. Allen, was born March 7, 1837, in Morgan County, Ill. When he was three years old his father removed to Keokuk County, Iowa, where his youth was spent upon a farm and where he received a common school education. His father, William Grimsley, Sr., was one of the earliest settlers of Lyon County, locating on Allen Creek, in Americus Township, in the spring of 1856, where the subject of this sketch remained until he attained his majority, and in 1858 he pre-empted 160 acres of land situated on Allen Creek, in Americus Township, which he improved and farmed about three years. He then sold this farm and bought 160 acres of Trust land, partly improved, also situated on Allen Creek, about five miles north of the original farm. This farm he further improved and operated until 1871, when he sold it and bought 180 acres of unimproved land, situated on One Hundred and Forth-second creek, in Agnes City Township. This farm he has since improved by the erection of a good dwelling house, barn, sheds, corn crib and other farm buildings. Planted an orchard of 50 apple, 100 peach, and 40 cherry trees, besides other small fruits. He has 60 acres under cultivation and 100 acres fenced. He raises cattle and hogs, feeding all his crops, principally corn, to his own stock. Mr. Grimsley is a Justice of the Peace for Agnes City Township and has held other local offices. He is a member of Eminence Lodge, No. 205, A., V. & A. M., and a member of Ivy Grange P. of H. He married Miss Catharine Drake of Americus Township, October 27, 1860. He has one child, George I., born October 27, 1867.

Contributor: Becky Doan (46821009)